The inaugural Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2024 were presented in a dazzling ceremony at the Hitex Exhibition Arena in Hyderabad on Saturday, June 14, marking a triumphant return of state-sponsored film awards after a 14-year hiatus.
Revived under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the awards, named in honor of the legendary revolutionary balladeer Gaddar, celebrated cinematic excellence in the Telugu film industry with grandeur and pride.
The star-studded event saw the presence of prominent figures, including Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and Telangana State Film Development Corporation (TSFDC) Chairman Dil Raju. Notable actors such as Nandamuri Balakrishna, Allu Arjun, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, and veteran actresses Jayasudha, Jayaprada, and Suhasini Maniratnam graced the occasion, adding to the event’s prestige.
Best Actor: Allu Arjun won the coveted Best Actor award for his powerful performance in Pushpa: The Rise. Expressing gratitude, he dedicated the award to his director Sukumar, his team, and his fans, saying, “I am grateful for this honor and extend my respects to the CM, Deputy CM, and Dil Raju.”
Best Actress: Nivetha Thomas was honored with the Best Actress award for her role in 35: Chinna Katha Kaadu.
Best Director: Nag Ashwin received the Best Director award for his visionary work on the pan-India blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD.
Best Film: Kalki 2898 AD also bagged the First Best Feature Film award, with additional honors for Best Art Director (Adinath Zihani) and Best Costume Designer (Archana Rao).
Vijay Devarakonda was presented with the Kantha Rao Film Award.
Yandamuri Veerendranath received the Raghupathi Venkaiah Film Award for his contributions as a film writer.
Sukumar was honored with the BN Reddy Film Award.
Chandrabose was recognized as the Best Lyricist, and Venky Atluri as the Best Screenplay Writer.
Allu Aravind won Best Wholesome Entertainer for AAY, and Niharika Konidela for Best Film for Committee Kurrolu.
Mahesh Babu’s films Srimanthudu, Maharshi, and Major were also celebrated, with the actor expressing his gratitude to the Telangana government.
The ceremony was elevated by captivating performances, including a musical segment by Mangli, who performed hits like Vaadu Nadiche Bandi and Saranga Dariya, alongside a soulful rendition of Gaddar’s iconic Bandi Ennaka Bandi Katti. M.M. Keeravani and Andesri’s performance of Jaya Jaya He Telangana earned a standing ovation, resonating with the audience and honoring the revolutionary spirit of Gaddar.